Chesapeake sits at an average elevation of just 16 feet above sea level, and its 250,000 residents live on a landscape shaped by ancient river terraces and tidal wetlands. That low-lying, layered geology makes grain size analysis a critical first step for any construction project here. Before designing foundations or pavements, engineers need to know the exact proportions of gravel, sand, silt, and clay in the soil. Our lab performs sieve and hydrometer testing following ASTM D422, delivering the particle-size distribution curve that underpins all subsequent geotechnical decisions. For projects on the city's soft coastal plain soils, we often pair this analysis with a geotechnical drainage study to manage groundwater during excavation.
In low-lying Chesapeake, knowing the fines content from hydrometer analysis can prevent costly drainage failures in residential subdivisions and commercial pads.
Approach and scope
Site-specific factors
In Chesapeake, the contrast between the well-drained sands of the Great Dismal Swamp fringe and the tight clays near the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway creates a real risk: if the fines content is underestimated, pavement subgrades may retain water and soften under traffic. A subdivision in the Hickory area, underlain by silty sand, could behave very differently from a site near Deep Creek with high-plasticity clay. Without accurate grain size analysis, engineers might specify the wrong compaction moisture or drainage layer. That mismatch leads to differential settlement, cracked slabs, and premature road failure — problems that are far costlier to fix after construction than to prevent with proper testing beforehand.
Relevant standards
ASTM D422 (grain size analysis of soils), ASTM D6913 (particle-size distribution by sieving), ASTM D7928 (particle-size distribution by hydrometer), AASHTO T-88 (particle size analysis of soils)
Related technical services
Standard Sieve Analysis
Dry or wet sieving through a full stack of sieves from 3 in to No. 200. Includes washing on the No. 200 sieve when fines content is critical.
Hydrometer Analysis
Sedimentation test for silt and clay fractions (down to 0.001 mm). Essential for Chesapeake soils where fine-grained layers control drainage.
Combined Sieve + Hydrometer
Full gradation curve from boulders to colloidal clay. Provides D10, D30, D60, uniformity coefficient, and curvature coefficient for USCS classification.
Wash Sieve (Fines Content)
Rapid determination of percent passing No. 200 sieve. Often used as a screening test before more detailed analysis.
Typical parameters
FAQ
How much does grain size analysis cost in Chesapeake?
Standard sieve analysis typically ranges from US$100 to US$190 per sample. Hydrometer testing adds about US$50 to US$80. Volume discounts apply for multiple samples from the same project.
What sample quantity do you need for sieve and hydrometer testing?
For coarse-grained soils, we need about 2 to 5 kg. For fine-grained soils where hydrometer is required, 500 g is usually sufficient. The sample should be representative of the stratum in question.
How long does the combined sieve and hydrometer test take?
Sieving can be completed in one day. Hydrometer sedimentation requires readings over 24 hours (up to 1440 minutes). Total turnaround is typically 2 to 3 business days.
Why is hydrometer analysis important for Chesapeake soils?
Many Chesapeake sites have silty clay or clayey silt layers from the Tabb and Yorktown formations. Without hydrometer testing, the clay fraction is underestimated, leading to poor compaction predictions and drainage design errors.